A good night’s sleep is the new travel trend
In today’s fast-paced world, the basic human need for quality sleep feels like a distant dream, this relentless hustle culture has led to a new form of travel to emerge, sleep tourism. With a focus on rejuvenation, relaxation, and holistic well-being, sleep tourism offers travellers the chance to recharge in peaceful destinations. From sleep-focussed resorts to wellness retreats, this trend is reshaping the way we approach vacations.
Did you ever imagine that we would live in a world where we might have to take a vacation just to get a night of sound, uninterrupted sleep? An era where hustle culture will be over-glorified and prioritised that even a basic human need like a good night’s sleep would feel like a distant dream. That is exactly where we are.
The Sleep Survey 2024 conducted by ResMed, a medical device company, looked at the sleep habits of 17 countries, including India. In India, only 27 pc of respondents reported having a good night’s sleep in terms of both quality and quantity each week.
To counterbalance the growing trend of late nights and constant hustle, a new travel phenomenon has emerged in recent years, ‘sleep tourism’.
Gaining significant momentum in today’s work-driven culture, ‘sleep tourism’ focusses on helping travellers prioritise rest and relaxation, offering dedicated experiences designed to enhance sleep often including additional benefits of yoga, meditation workshops, relaxation therapies and much more focussed on an individual’s holistic well-being.
A report by HTF Market Intelligence, a marketing agency, says that sleep tourism globally is a market worth USD 640 billion, projected to exceed USD 1 billion by 2028.
Additionally, Travel Trends 2025 report by SkyScanner, an online travel platform, highlights the rise of wellness tourism, noting that 70 pc of Indian travellers seek holistic experiences, with 57 pc prioritising health during vacations, aligning perfectly with the goals of sleep tourism.
As travellers increasingly prioritise relaxation and well-being, destinations and brands are adapting their offerings to meet these evolving needs. Hotels, in particular, have embraced this shift by introducing sleep-focused packages.
For example, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas in Chauth Ka Barwara village, Rajasthan, located about 120 km from Jaipur, offers curated sleep experiences that include lavender pillow pouches, calming bliss blend oils, and a ‘Little Book of Reconnection’. The luxury brand has also taken relaxation to the next level by appointing a dedicated sleep doctor. This expert helps guests assess their current sleep patterns through a complimentary two-night sleep tracker and detailed analysis. In addition, the programme encourages participation in yoga nidra and meditation, along with soothing treatments, wellness therapies, personalised nutrition advice, and low-intensity training to support overall well-being.
In Maharashtra, guests can immerse themselves in a variety of restorative experiences at the Atmantan Wellness Centre in Palse village, located approximately 230 km from Mumbai. The centre’s offerings include hot foot baths, therapeutic showers, and specially curated sleep bathing rituals, all designed to promote deep relaxation and improve sleep quality. Prakriti Shakti, a naturopathy centre in Southern Kerala about 130km from Cochin airport offers programmes of a minimum seven days aimed at enhancing human body’s natural self-healing abilities through a holistic approach.
Similarly, ITC Hotels, an Indian luxury hotel chain, has introduced what it calls a ‘Sleep Ensemble’ that caters to this growing demand with a specialised pillow menu, sleep-enhancing dishes, and essential oils to create a more personalised and restful stay.
In addition to sleep-centric amenities, many destinations are tapping into the wellness trend by promoting yoga retreats and holistic wellness experiences, understanding that relaxation and self-care have become integral aspects of modern travel.
Coorg, Karnataka
Nestled in the lush green hills of coastal Karnataka and amidst sprawling coffee plantations, Coorg offers a serene escape for those looking to disconnect from the hustle of city life. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and misty mountains, it is a haven for nature lovers seeking tranquillity. In recent years, Coorg has also embraced the growing trend of wellness and sleep tourism
Many of its resorts now offer specialised packages focused on rejuvenation, including meditation sessions, Ayurvedic therapies, and wellness treatments, allowing guests to indulge in holistic experiences that promote rest and relaxation.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh has become a global destination for wellness, attracting visitors from all over of the world (Photo: MIG)
Known as the Yoga Capital of India, Rishikesh in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand is not only a hub for spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts but also a sanctuary for those looking to unwind. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganga River, about 240 km from Delhi, the city offers an unparalleled atmosphere for meditation and reflection.
Rishikesh has become a global destination for wellness, attracting visitors from all corners of the world. With a wide range of retreats offering holistic treatments, yoga, and meditation, the city provides an ideal environment for those seeking mental and physical rejuvenation. Whether it is the soothing river breeze or the calming presence of the ashrams, Rishikesh is a place where both body and mind can truly find peace.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling’s cool, crisp air, combined with serene atmosphere, makes it a perfect destination for wellness tourism
Located in West Bengal, the city of Darjeeling is renowned for its lush green landscapes, stunning views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga, remarkable tea gardens and rolling hills is also home to numerous serene and rejuvenating wellness retreats in India.
The region’s cool, crisp air, combined with its serene atmosphere, makes it a perfect destination for wellness tourism. Several wellness retreats and yoga centres in Darjeeling offer rejuvenating therapies, meditation sessions, and mindfulness practices, all set against the backdrop of mist-covered mountains.
Alappuzha, Kerala
Alleppey in southern India is a haven for those seeking wellness experiences (Photo: kerelatourism.org)
Alleppey, now called Alappuzha, in the southern state of Kerala, about 57 km from Kochi, is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, and is one of Kerala’s most captivating destinations, particularly renowned for its tranquil backwaters and houseboats.
This picturesque town in southern India is a haven for those seeking wellness experiences, with its lush landscapes, soothing waterways, and rich Ayurvedic heritage.
Kerala is said to be a centre for holistic healing, and Alleppey is home to several renowned wellness retreats and Ayurvedic spas. Visitors can indulge in therapeutic treatments like rejuvenating massages, herbal baths, and detox programs that cleanse both the body and the mind. The serene backwaters, with their gentle lapping of water and calming atmosphere, offer the perfect setting for meditation, relaxation and a perfect sleep.
